CPI Alleges ₹25 Crore Irregularities in KGBV Tender Process

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has raised serious concerns over the tender process for supplying provisions to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) in Andhra Pradesh, alleging inflated prices, lack of transparency and possible misuse of public money.

CPI State Secretary Gujjula Eeswarayya has written to Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, seeking a comprehensive probe into the tendering process. He alleged that the prices quoted for provisions supplied to KGBVs were 30 to 40 per cent above market and MRP rates, raising concerns over the potential loss of crores of rupees to the state exchequer.

The CPI has also cited allegations that nearly ₹25 crore may have changed hands in connection with the tender process. The party claimed that the arrangements appeared to favour a few large contractors while putting smaller and medium-sized suppliers at a disadvantage.

A key concern raised by the CPI is the pricing mechanism. The party questioned why procurement undertaken in bulk had not resulted in lower prices. Instead, it alleged, the rates were fixed at significantly higher levels, warranting an explanation from the government.

The party has also questioned the decision to consider prices on Blinkit, BigBasket and Zepto as benchmarks for market rates. According to the CPI, using prices from online retail platforms as a reference for large-scale government procurement requires greater scrutiny, particularly when bulk purchases are expected to attract competitive rates.

The tender conditions have also come under the party's scanner. The CPI sought clarity on how eligibility requirements, including a 20,000-square-foot warehouse and specified supply capacity, were implemented and verified during the selection process.

Calling for accountability, Eeswarayya demanded an audit, vigilance inquiry and comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities. He said strict action should follow if any wrongdoing by officials or contractors is established.

The CPI has also demanded the immediate cancellation of the existing tenders if the allegations are found to have merit and called for a fresh procurement process with complete transparency.

The party stressed that KGBVs cater largely to girls from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds and said the government must ensure that students receive quality food and essential supplies in adequate quantities.

The CPI urged the state government to strengthen oversight of procurement and ensure that funds allocated for the welfare of KGBV students are used efficiently, transparently and strictly for their intended purpose.